That meant the other wealthy socialite had to be Selma Quigley''s mother. Now that Vanessa looked closer, she could see the striking resemnce between


    them.


    The two women were deep in conversation as they walked,pletely oblivious to their surroundings.


    Vanessa had considered going over to say hello, but she decided against it.


    Selma, too, was lost in her own thoughts and didn''t notice Vanessa.


    Just then, the first Rolls-Royce pulled up. Mrs. Holt waved goodbye as Selma and her mother climbed into the car and drove away.


    As Mrs. Holt waited for her own car, Vanessa saw her chance. With a warm smile, she approached her. "Mrs. Holt, it''s been a while."


    Mrs. Holt was startled by the sudden greeting.


    She turned around. When she saw Vanessa, she smiled politely. "Miss Shannon! It''s been a while."


    "You look as young and elegant as ever, Mrs. Holt," Vanessa said, her tone a perfect blend of warmth and respect.


    A practiced, courteous smile touched Mrs. Holt''s well-maintained features. "You''re too kind, Miss Shannon. Were you dining here as well?" As she spoke, her gaze subtly swept over Vanessa, a flicker of appreciation in her eyes, but nothing more.


    "Yes, I was having a meal with a friend," Vanessa replied. Just then, a Bentley glided to a stop beside them. Mrs. Holt was clearly in a hurry. "I have to run," she said. "Let''s catch up another time."


    "Take care," Vanessa said, smiling as she watched her get into the car.


    Once Mrs. Holt''s car had disappeared from view, Vanessa''s smile vanished, reced by a look of deep contemtion.


    Instead of getting into her own car, she pulled out her phone and dialed Henry Holt''s number.


    "Hello? Vanessa?" His voice on the other end was filled with pleasant surprise. It made sense; it wasn''t every day that she called him first.


    "I just ran into your mother at the restaurant," Vanessa said cheerfully. "She was having lunch with a friend. And guess who else I saw?"


    Henry''s curiosity was piqued. "Oh? Who?"


    "It was that Miss Quigley from the g, along with her mother. They were eating with your mom," Vanessa said, her tone light and casual.


    There was a brief pause on Henry''s end, followed by a slightly unnatural exnation. "Oh, really? My mom and Mrs. Quigley are old friends They have lunch together all the time."


    Vanessaughed. "I figured as much. Your mother seems quite fond of Miss Quigley."


    "Uh, well... my mom, she—"


    are


    Before Henry could finish exining, Vanessa let out a yfulugh. "Rx,& didn''t say anything. Why are your so nervous? said hello to your Thother and she seemed to like me just fine."


    "Of course she likes you! She''s praised you before," Henry insisted. "Really? When?"


    "The other day, I showed her that video of your exhibition. She said you were beautiful and that it was incredible for someone so young to have won so many international awards. She called you a true artistic genius."


    Vanessaughed softly at thepliment. "Are you serious? You''re not just trying


    to tter me, are you?"


    "Of course it''s true," Henry said earnestly.


    "Alright, I believe you," Vanessa said. "There''s a movie I want to see this Friday.


    Are you free to go with me?"


    "I''m always free for you."


    "Great! It''s a date, then. Don''t you dare stand me up."


    "I''d stand up anyone else, but never you," Henry promised.


    "Okay, I''m heading home to rest. Talk to youter."


    "Alright."


    After hanging up, the gentle smile in Vanessa''s eyes vanished. She got into her


    car and told the driver, "To the Goodwin & Co. headquarters."